The 2013 PyeongChang Winter Special Olympics greets the US National Team with a welcoming luncheon.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea(hereinafter "AMCHAM") hosted a luncheon at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, to encourage the US national team.

At the event sponsored by Hilton H Honors, a number of guests, including US Ambassador to South Korea Sung Kim(Honorary President of AMCHAM), President of Boeing Korea Pat Gains(President of AMCHAM), Representative of AMCHAM　Amy Jackson, and Chairman of Partners for the Future Jeffrey Jones, encouraged the national team to fight well.

"2013 is a meaningful year, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Korea-US alliance and the 25th anniversary of the 1988 Olympic Games held in Seoul," said Ambassador Sung Kim. "It is meaningful that the Special Olympics will be held in Korea at such a time, and I wish for this event to be a fruitful one that contributes to the harmony and prosperity of the two countries."

"The hosting of the Special Olympics is another product of Korea's diversity and development," said President Pat Gains. "Korea's economic growth has become a model for both developed and developing countries. It is the 60th anniversary since AMCHAM has first made partnerships with businesses and consumers in Korea, and　I am very proud to welcome you at this meaningful time."

American companies in Korea including AMCHAM actively supported the US national team through the Host Town Program. Under their patronage, 213 US athletes and coaching staffs have been experiencing Korea culture since their entry on the 26th through activities such as visiting the Yongin Folk Village, watching traditional performances, and visiting foreign schools in Korea. "I am very grateful to the US companies and organizations in Korea for encouraging and cheering the national team," said Chris, the US national team manager.

This team includes two players who have visited their home country for the first time since they were adopted to the United States during their childhood. The two are Henry Meece, a snowboard national athlete from Oregon, USA, and Tae Hemsath, a snowshoe national athlete from New York.

Hemsath, who was born in Gangwon province, said, "I am excited to be back in my birthplace. I was anticipated on the thought of returning to Korea. I would really like to meet my biological parents during my stay here if I have the chance."

The finale of the luncheon ended with a performance by the Heart to Heart Orchestra, the first orchestra in Korea to be composed of youths with developmental disabilities. The US team will visit the Yongsan Garrison later the same afternoon and attend the welcoming ceremony, then head to Pyeongchang where the Olympics will held from the morning of the 29th.

AMCHAM was established in 1953 and is Korea 's largest foreign economic organization with the aim of promoting investment and trade between Korea and America. It is consisted of about 1,000 companies with about 2,000 individual members.